‘Lucky’ Russell was ref

REFEREES’ boss, Fr Seamus Gardiner, yesterday defended Paddy Russell’s handling of Sunday’s ill-tempered NFL clash between Tyrone and Dublin.

The game had a series of brawls, four dismissals and 14 yellow cards, but Fr Gardiner insisted the match official was powerless in the situation.

Said Fr Gardiner: “Nobody could referee a game that involves two teams who don’t want to play a game.